Frequently Asked Questions

• What is NFPA?
  • National Fire Protection Association. An international codes and standards organization
• How often should I have my chimney swept and inspected?
  • Vents, fireplaces and chimneys should be inspected at least once a year in accordance with NFPA 211.
• I just bought a home, should I have my chimney inspected?
  • You should have your chimney inspected before you use your fireplace/wood burning stove or as soon as possible to make sure there is no damage to your chimney, such as cracks or blockage. Also remember your hot water heater and furnace may also use a chimney.
  • There are so many illnesses that can occur from high exposure to carbon monoxide that it is very important to have your chimney inspected once a year. For added protection we also recommend the use of a carbon monoxide detector.
• What is creosote?
  • Creosote can appear as a shinny, black glaze on the inside of your chimney. Creosote is very flammable. It can be caused by many things but the most common cause for creosote is not using seasoned wood. Most times creosote cannot be removed by using a standard wire chimney brush and must be removed by a Ro-Kleen rotary cleaning tool.
• Why is it recommend that I have a cap on my chimney?
  • Caps not only guard your chimney from the rain, but they can also guard your chimney from unwanted animals. Animals such as squirrels, birds and raccoons can make nests in your chimney causing blockage, bad smells and/or diseases such as rabies and ring worm from the animal droppings.
• My chimney is only a year old, how can it have cracks?
  • Chimney liners made of clay tile can crack from a very hot fire on a cold day. The tiles can become cracked from the very first time of using your fireplace if you create a sudden temperature change in the chimney.
• What does it mean when the chimney crown is cracked?
  • A chimney crown is the concrete seal on the top of your chimney. It can become cracked the same way your clay liner can, by expansion and contraction due to the weather and by the use of your fireplace chimney. When the chimney crown is cracked, water, snow and debris can get into your chimney and it may cause water damage to your home.
• Why does it matter if my damper is working or not?
  • You wouldn't leave a window open 8 inches all winter long, but when you are not using your fireplace and you leave your damper open, that is exactly what you are doing. A damper is like a window in your chimney. It keeps the outside elements out of your home when you are not using your fireplace.
• What is tuck pointing?
  • Tuck pointing is when loose or missing mortar is replaced on a brick chimney.
• How messy is a chimney sweeping and inspection?
  • Michiana Chimney Sweeping & Repair, Inc. lay tarps in front of your fireplace/wood burning stove to insure your flooring will not get dirty. We also use specialized vacuums to trap dust and soot that may occur during a sweeping.
• Would I have to make an appointment for a sweeping and an inspection?
  • We include a basic level one inspection with every chimney sweeping. We record our findings on a chimney service report and then discuss our evaluation with the customer. Sometimes it is impossible to inspect the chimney without first sweeping it. When that becomes necessary, we first speak to the homeowner before proceeding.
• Why should I choose Michiana Chimney Sweeping & Repair, Inc.?
  • Michiana Chimney Sweeping & Repair, Inc. is knowledgeable on the standards established by the NFPA.
  • We are fast, friendly and consistent.
  • Our prices are a great value to our customers.